3 Ways to Live Loved
Living loved is not the result of having people in your life that love you or accept you. Living loved is not a feeling based on how others choose to love you. To live loved goes way beyond the kind words and actions you receive from others.The moment we start to depend on other people’s words and actions to live loved, is when we have lost complete sight of what living loved is all about.
The root and foundation of living loved is anchored in three critical areas of our lives:
- Identity
- Purpose
- Faith
Throughout my years of being a Christian, I have learned that life does not get easier, nor free of negativity and hurt. Living the Christian life has nothing to do with us, and everything to do with Christ, which is why the word Christian has the word Christ in it.Being a Christian means you are no longer living for you but for Christ. As Christians, our plans, agenda, goals, and desires no longer matter. Rather it is God’s plan and desire to use us in whatever way He sees fit to accomplish His bigger plans for humanity.That means being fully present in the season you’re currently in. Whether you’re a full time mom caring and loving on your kids, teaching them in the way of the Lord, or being a waitress/waiter serving the person or family in the restaurant you work at. No matter what season of life you find yourself in, there is a purpose for you and the people you encounter during that season of your life.
Don’t be discouraged, and don’t be afraid.
The fact your dreams and goals will no longer matter, does not mean you won’t have new dreams and goals. God is so divine that He replaces our own selfish plans and desires with His plans and desires for our lives. Ultimately, for the salvation of many lives.Had I not given up on my own plans and agenda for my life, I would not be typing this blog right now. I would probably be practicing medicine on someone somewhere. Can you picture me as a doctor? What about a pediatric doctor?Yeah… I’m glad my plans did not unfold the way I thought they should. Almost a year ago, God showed me I was living from a place of discontentment. The sad truth is that I had absolutely no idea I was living this way! God has a way of bringing to our attention the places of our lives that don’t please or honor Him.For me, it was through a friendship I was holding on to with the hopes of being more than just friends. I was so caught up with the thought of just friends that I lost the significance of having him as a friend. Why wasn’t I content with being just friends?So what if our friendship never got passed the friend zone? Would I be okay with that? Obviously, I wouldn't. Deep down I was not content, which is why I wasn’t okay with just being friends.
What does living loved look like?
Have you ever wondered or questioned that? I hadn’t until I realized I was living from a place of discontentment. After attempting to seek answers from this guy pertaining our relationship, I didn’t get the answer I hoped for. So I made the decision to stop being his friend. Was I being selfish and self-centered? I was definitely making the situation about ME rather than allowing God to have His way with our friendship.After carefully considering the question, “Why wasn’t I content with being just friends?” The reason was, my lack of trust in God and His sovereignty. Rather than focusing on God’s truth during this time, I was so caught up focusing on my fleeting emotions.Discontentment only brings frustration, anger, negative self-talk, and worry. Friend, we were not created to live a life of discontentment. We were created to live loved in spite of our circumstances.
3 Ways to Live Loved:
#1. Live Loved by Knowing and Understanding Your Identity in Christ
Our true identity is not found in what people say about us or how they treat us. Our true identity is found in Christ and Christ alone! People may identify you based on your race, your job or career, your outward appearance, or even based on your past.God, however, He identifies you as His son/daughter. He identifies you as the bearer of His own image! (Genesis 1:26)
#2. Live Loved by knowing and Understanding You Have Purpose
Each of us have a purpose to fulfill here on earth. If you don’t know what your purpose is yet, I encourage you to seek after it. Discovering your purpose will require you to be intentional about it.You can volunteer at a church, school, or nonprofit organization to name a few places. Ask yourself what interests you and try it out. Taking these steps of action can help you discover your God given purpose.Discovering our purpose is powerful! Once we know what our purpose is, we live with an understanding that we have been created for more. No matter what life throws at us, knowing our purpose will encourage us to keep going and to not dwell in life’s circumstances.
#3. Live Loved by Knowing and Understanding His Best Is In Store No Matter What
Yahweh God is good and faithful! His character is based on the foundation of pure love. His love, grace, and mercy never falter. The storms of life can't stop God from being faithful to us. It’s in those difficult and challenging moments where God wants to pull us close and grow our intimacy with Him.To live loved means knowing and understanding the foundation from which love comes from.
“But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” – 1 John 4:8 & 16
The Bible tells us that love comes from God. We can’t live loved if we don’t know the source of love, and we can’t show love without first living loved. Friend, let’s be intentional about living loved, and that starts with seeking the giver of it – Yahweh, God.